Congratulations to Kerala Blasters on accounting for the 100th goal of this edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). That's it. There is nothing else to talk about their performance against FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Sunday.
The Goan side killed the game in the first half itself. Though Blasters tried to show some urgency and pushed hard in the dying minutes of the second half, it was too late.
Showing fine coordination and slick passing, Goa were able to slice open the rival defence time and again. It was heartening to see them capitalising on even half chances with ease.
After ensuring that the match was beyond the opponent's grasp, Goa showed the courage to substitute a player like Ahmed Jahouh, who was a vital component to their midfield.
On the other hand, Blasters continued to struggle with their formation. I could not make out the logic behind making five changes to the squad. It is surprising that the team management is yet to find the right balance with the combination. The coach's decision to field only Indian players in the backline against a free-scoring side was bewildering.
The changes brought in by the coach after the interval bore testimony to the fact that his strategy for the first-half was a total failure. It goes without saying that constant chopping and unnecessary changes in formation do affect confidence of players.
(The writer is a former captain of the Indian football team)